H. David Jeong

Reducing Data-Collection Efforts for Conceptual Cost Estimating at a Highway Agency

Data-driven models using historical project attributes to estimate future construction costs, such as multiple-regression analysis and artificial neural networks are both proven techniques that highway agencies could adopt for conceptual cost estimating. This research found literature using those techniques has been solely focused on estimating model performance with little to no attention to the level of effort required to conduct the conceptual estimate. It is commonly believed using more input data enhances estimate accuracy. However, this paper finds for the highway agency studied that using more input variables than necessary in the conceptual estimate does not improve estimate accuracy. Conceptual estimates using the minimum amount of input data to produce an estimate with a reasonable level of confidence is more cost effective. This paper quantifies the effort expended to undertake conceptual estimates using data from a highway agency and concludes that input variables that have a large influence on the final predicted cost and require a low amount of effort are desired in data-driven conceptual cost-estimating models for the agency studied.

Current Practices of Highway Construction Cost Index Calculation and Utilization

A proper understanding of the local construction market is essential for making appropriate project budgeting and planning decisions. State highway agencies typically use highway construction cost indexes (HCCIs) to understand the current market conditions. In the United States (US) highway construction industry, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pioneered the concept of a HCCI as an indicator of the national construction market. State Departments of Transportation (DOT) also started developing their state level HCCIs to better represent their state level construction markets. But, some state DOTs noted the lack of guidance to develop and update their HCCIs. This paper summarizes literature review and nationwide questionnaire survey results to identify the current practices of calculating and using HCCIs. There are two methods to generate basket of construction items for HCCI calculation: a) categorized market basket and b) item level market basket. The Fisher index is the most popular indexing formula among the state DOTs and is also recommended by the FHWA and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite many potential users of HCCIs, the current use of HCCIs is very limited in state DOTs.

Barriers to Implementing Data-Driven Pavement Treatment Performance Evaluation Process

AbstractState highway agencies have been collecting a massive amount of pavement condition data by using automated collection technologies. This rich historical data set has great potential to supp...

Multidimensional Highway Construction Cost Indexes Using Dynamic Item Basket

AbstractA highway construction cost index (HCCI) is an indicator of the purchasing power of a highway agency. Thus, it must reflect the actual construction market conditions. However, current metho...

Estimating Highway Preconstruction Services Costs. Volume 2: Research Report

This report presents guidance for state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies for estimating pre-construction services (PCS) costs for transportation project development. PCS refers to a varied assortment of project-specific engineering and other professional services required before construction begins on a bridge, highway, or other transportation project, whether provided by agency staff or consultants. The guidance—a guidebook (Volume 1) and supporting research report (Volume 2)—addresses principal sources and components of PCS costs, PCS estimating methodologies, trends (such as changes in design and construction technology, design standards, program requirements, and professional workforce) likely to affect PCS costs, and advice on agency policies and practices that can help control program risk through improved PCS cost estimation. This volume specifically documents the development, testing, validation, and packaging of an accurate, consistent, and reliable method for estimating PCS costs.

Estimating Highway Preconstruction Services Costs - Volume 1: Guidebook

This report presents guidance for state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies for estimating pre-construction services (PCS) costs for transportation project development. PCS refers to a varied assortment of project-specific engineering and other professional services required before construction begins on a bridge, highway, or other transportation project, whether provided by agency staff or consultants. The guidance—a guidebook (Volume 1) and supporting research report (Volume 2)—addresses principal sources and components of PCS costs, PCS estimating methodologies, trends (such as changes in design and construction technology, design standards, program requirements, and professional workforce) likely to affect PCS costs, and advice on agency policies and practices that can help control program risk through improved PCS cost estimation.